France overcome Russia to clinch first leg of Women's Sevens Grand Prix Series

Russia 12 - 19 France, Marcoussis

France managed to resist Russia in the final with a 12-19 triumph as they went on to clinch the first leg of the 2018 Rugby Europe Women's Sevens Grand Prix Series in Marcoussis.

France now have 20 points from the tournament and Russia and Ireland are at second and third respectively. The second leg of the tournament will be played in Kazan on 1st and 2nd September.

Pool A

Russia went on to claim the pole position in the group as they blanked Germany 43-0, Belgium 41-0 and Spain 39-0. Belgium, who had a 7-7 draw against Spain secured a crucial 15-5 win over Germany to finish second. Spain also managed to progress to the play-offs as they finished the best third side overall.

Pool B

Ireland were the dominant team in Pool B as they sealed victories in all three games while Wales finished second with seven points. Scotland too managed to sneak into the quarter-finals as the second best third-placed side with five points.

Pool C

France and England finished first and second respectively while Italy missed out on the play-offs narrowly as they had an inferior points difference as compared to Scotland.

France continued their superior form in the play-offs as they defeated Belgium and Ireland in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively to reach the final while Russia outplayed Scotland and England in the play-offs to reach the final. Meanwhile, Italy defeated Poland 19-5 in the Challenge Cup final.